From the Principal's Desk

From the Principal's Desk:



News and notes for Eugene Field Elementary School







Monday, September 26, 2011

Parent Survey Results & Attendance

Thank you to everyone who participated in our parent survey a couple of weeks ago. You provided us with good information to use as we move forward in the PYP evaluation process. Here are some of the comments shared by parents about Field:

"The students see themselves as global citizens and they have an active interest in how to make things better for people all over the world. Also, they are true inquirers and they love to ask questions and find answers."

"I've seen more parental involvement at Field Elementary than I have at any other school. It really feels like a community."

"My child is motivated to think on his own."

We also received some good feedback on areas for growth including communication about the PYP program with parents and community, continuity between grade levels, and concerns for the school's growing population and lack of space. All of these ideas will be enveloped into our Action Plan developed through the evaluation process.

As you all know, attendance at school is vital to a child's success in school. So many valuable learning experiences occur during the day that can not be replicated at home. Here are our classrooms with top attendance from the beginning of the year through mid 1st Quarter:
1. Fisher - 98.63%
2.  Aho - 98.31%
3.  Brown - 98.07%
4. Goings - 98.01%

The SPS goal for attendance is 95%. Please help your child reach their full potential through being at school everyday.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Thank you Volunteers!!

This week has been an emotional week starting with the remembrance of 9/11. Thinking about how quickly life can change reminds me to cherish and make the most of every moment with those around you. This is something I witness everyday in our classrooms as students are engaged in their learning and creating action plans.  I have also been impressed with the level of parent engagement here at Field. It is awesome! In the last two weeks I have seen countless volunteers for field trips, 3rd grade Rock-a-palooza,  reading with students, assisting teachers with clerical tasks, Watch Dog Dads, building shelves, painting stripes, and....(I almost hate to name specifics because the list is endless!). On top of what is already going on,  I had a conversation today with a parent who is passionate about expanding parent volunteers for reading/math  skills and after school club opportunities for our students. There are many positive possibilities before us and I'm honored to lead and facilitate the journey a head.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the parent survey. Please know we do utilize this information and it is valuable feedback. We appreciate your time and thoughts.

This last week we had our first Domino's Pizza Night. I have not heard the numbers yet, but I will report back to you when i do. We will have one night each month (2nd Tuesday) and we receive $1.00 from each pizza sold. All of the money raised will be going toward acquiring and updating technology needs in the classroom.

My final thoughts today revolve around birthday celebrations. As you think about celebrating your child's birthday at school,  please be open-minded in thinking about celebrations or treats that are non-food related. With non-food treats you don't have to worry about excluding children with allergies or the wellness policy. I would like to challenge you and your child to think of a unique non-food treat to celebrate at school this year. If you need suggestions please ask your student's teacher.
Thanks for reading!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Thanks for a smooth start!

We have been back in class for a week and everything is moving right a long!  In many ways it does not even seem like the first week of school. Students have slid back into routines and picked up their learning where they left off. Hopefully September will bring some cooler weather!!

On September 16th we will have our first Principal's Coffee at 9:15 am. Topics for the first Coffee include sharing about PYP (What is PYP and how is it different from other schools?) and getting your feedback on the topics you would like discussed at future Principal's Coffees. My vision is for this time together is to create an opportunity for dialogue and information sharing between school and families. I believe this will be valuable time for the Field Communuity as we move forward.

I hope your student has had a wonderful start to school!